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For those annoyed at KD's age, keep in mind this is the best trade to keep the core long term

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by baubo, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM.

  1. baubo

    baubo Member

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    I think people who think this trade is shortsighted because KD's too old are not understanding how punitive the current CBA is. If anything, KD trade is the perfect one if you believe in the Rockets core, or at least this core minus Jalen.

    I assume KD is going to sign an extension with the Rockets. I'm hoping 2 years. But it maybe 3. Regardless, when KD comes off the books is when the Rockets will be very expensive. We all know Amen is 99% getting max in 2 years. Jabari and Tari will likely making in the neighborhood of $20~30mil/yr starting next year. If Reed is as good as he's looked in those few starts, he will be at least $30~max money in 3 years. KD will be coming off the books just as the rest of the Rockets core will become all expensive. Compare this with a younger star, and you will have to get rid of at least 2 of the current core just to fit everyone's salary without going into 2nd apron. As max money in a couple of years will be in the $60-70mil range.

    KD trade means there are two timelines. There's the next-two-years timeline. And then from 2027 on, the Rockets hope their young core grow enough to compete without KD, and they get 2 likely good picks in the Nets and the Suns to either replenish for the future, or use as trade chips. KD doesn't interfere with the latter, as all the pieces leaving in this trade has 2 year contracts. It is actually a perfect balance between competing now and keeping enough for later.
     
    #1 baubo, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM
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  2. Hank McDowell

    Hank McDowell Member

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    Yeah. This is one silver lining. If they don't **** the bed on his extension.
     
    #2 Hank McDowell, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:42 PM
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  3. MoochiSmoochi

    MoochiSmoochi Member

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    Even if KD don’t play this season we just got a huge upgrade by not having to play Brooks and Jalen as our main offensive option. Finally Cam and Reed can play without Stone worrying about killing Jalen’s trade value
     
    #3 MoochiSmoochi, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:50 PM
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  4. DaDakota

    DaDakota Balance wins
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    Yep, we couldn't keep all 7, someone had to go, and probably another 1 or 2 will as well.

    DD
     
    #4 DaDakota, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:52 PM
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  5. PatBev

    PatBev Member
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    KD and Fred probably gonna miss games too. Lots of point guard time for Amen & Reed + time for Cam. Even more for Cam if Tari is missing games

    kinda works out
     
    #5 PatBev, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
  6. Francis3422

    Francis3422 Member

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    I agree with the above. Durant could get hurt and we could conceivably be fielding The better team.

    Moving Brooks out to give minutes to Cam/Reed/Tari just gives me even more faith in Stone.
     
    #6 Francis3422, Jun 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
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  7. Rocketeer

    Rocketeer Member

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    This is the silver lining for me.
     
    #7 Rocketeer, Jun 22, 2025 at 1:59 PM
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  8. Astrosfan183

    Astrosfan183 Member

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    I was only bothered by KD's age if we gave up a long term asset- One of the Suns picks, Jabari, Tari, Reed, etc.

    Giving up none of those should have everyone ecstatic. There's a reasonably strong chance that neither Jalen nor Brooks would have been on this team in two years anyway
     
    #8 Astrosfan183, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:22 PM
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  9. roslolian

    roslolian Member

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    We did give up the tenth pick.
     
    #9 roslolian, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
  10. Sean Dr34ms

    Sean Dr34ms Member

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    I feel like this was the best pick that we could’ve given up for our favor. The 10th pick likely wasn’t going to get into the rotation and the class is pretty weak imo.
     
    #10 Sean Dr34ms, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
  11. Astrosfan183

    Astrosfan183 Member

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    Last few #10 picks- Cody Williams, Cason Wallace, Johnny Davis, Ziaire Williams, Jalen Smith, Cam Reddish

    Cason Wallace is the only one I'd have been sad to miss out on
     
    #11 Astrosfan183, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
  12. roslolian

    roslolian Member

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    Coward or Carter Bryant or Jakucionis would have been nice.
     
    #12 roslolian, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
  13. sealclubber1016

    sealclubber1016 Member
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    KD will be getting paid for at most 2 seasons after this one. This does not hurt our ability to retain anybody long term, that is if they prove themselves worthy of retaining.

    I'm not about letting a title window pass by waiting for "the perfect deal" that may never come all while our young players start getting extensions. Strike while the iron is hot and retain long term assets, it's the best of both worlds.
     
    #13 sealclubber1016, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
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  14. NewAge

    NewAge Member

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    yeah, I see the transition going forward…
    KD will probably be retiring just as Sheppard comes out of puberty. Good timing.
     
    #14 NewAge, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
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  15. roslolian

    roslolian Member

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    I disagree I think this class is deep AF. Coward for example is a better prospect than Zacharie Risacher who went no 1.
     
    #15 roslolian, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:37 PM
  16. Astrosfan183

    Astrosfan183 Member

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    You'd have to get lucky for any of them to have been a huge part of the core.

    I mean it was an asset, but you can't get a player that hits 27ppg without any assets
     
    #16 Astrosfan183, Jun 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM
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  17. daywalker02

    daywalker02 Member

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    Depends, they still have to pay those guys, and then trade for the next star after KD.....so yeah nothing is for certain.

    KD's age further drives down the age average.

    They just prolonged the window until they go for a Giannis or a Luka for example, the team is going to bleed anyway.
     
    #17 daywalker02, Jun 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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